From 1925 to 1960 Cyprus was a Crown colony and integrated into the British empire, following the London and Zurich Agreements of 19 February 1959. That's why there are many British customs that are found on the island. For instance, the island is dotted with charming red telephone boxes because of that time. Similarly, there are British style post boxes that you may spot on the island.
Colonial Style Buildings, Nicosia
In North Cyprus, people drive on the left hand side of the road as in the UK because of the British rule. This makes driving around much easier for British people and there are only a few countries in Europe which actually drive on the left. As a plus, road signs are also mostly in Turkish and English.
Left Hand Side Driving Rule
In Cyprus most people learn English at their primary schools and high schools. Therefore the people of Cyprus are quite proficient, especially in major touristic cities and towns, so you won't have any trouble communicating while ordering your Brandy Sour or asking for your way around.
English Tourists, North Cyprus
Queen Elizabeth visited the island and explored some of the towns there, including the capital Nicosia. Most recently Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex and his wife Sophie also visited Cyprus and before that Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton have also visited the Island.
Queen Elizabeth Visit North Cyprus,1961.
Karmi is a picturesque hilltop village with meandering streets and a hiking trail and a quaint church. Many British people live there in the foothills of Kyrenia. It is dotted with post-boxes from the British colonial times and has wonderful whitewashed cottages upon cobblestone streets and topped with terracotta roofing.
Wherever you turn on this island you will see the little fragments of Britannia scattered as a gentle reminder that Cyprus is much more British than you think!
Karmi Village, North Cyprus
The famous British author Lawrence Durrell lived in North Cyprus in the beautiful and historic hillside village of Bellapais. Throughout his memoir Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, British writer Lawrence Durrell described the idyllic, mixed-community life in Bellapais, putting the village on the literary map. He is also famous for his beloved Durrell's in Corfu books.
British Author Lawrence Durrell's House, North Cyprus
Author: Sevilay Shakir
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